08.31.06
Posted in Uncategorized at 5:43 am by Linda
Tillie, you have done
> a wonderful job tonight.
> I don’t believe any party
> could be better.”
>
> “Thank you, Agnes,
> but you did as much.
> As long as Big Daddy
> is happy.
> I noticed Mr. Ethan
> is having a good time
> also. What a handsome
>Â white man he is.”
>
> “Why, Tillie, you sound
> almost smitten
> with the man, although
> I must agree.
> Handsome and charming
> perfectly describes our house-
> guest.”
>
> “Tillie giggled, “I don’t think
> I am the only one.”
>
> ‘Nonsense, Tillie, I was just
> agreeing with you.”
>
> “I know, Miz Agnes,
>Â but I was speaking
> of Velma Proctor,
> who seems to have
> taken a liking to him,
> as they have danced
> most of the night.”
>
> “I have been too busy
> to notice, Tillie,
> as you should have been.
>Â Now I must get back
> to our guests.”
>
> Agnes did not want Tillie
> to know that she ,indeed,
> had noticed.
>
> Surely, she was not feeling
> a moment of jealousy.
> Velma had always flirted
> with the men folk
> but never settled on one.
>
> Yet, Agnes wondered .
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Posted in Uncategorized at 5:38 am by Linda
There was such an arrival of
> big Daddy’s friends that
> Agnes feared the great hall
> would burst at the seams
> if even one more person
> came.
>
> There had not been
> that many people at Ashland
> since the ill-fated wedding.
>
> Agnes watched with joy as
> Big Daddy greeted everyone.
> He seemed his old self as
> he welcomed each one to
> his home.
>
>
> Agnes could tell
> that he made
> each of them feel almost
> like the guest of honor
> instead of himself.
> And she marveled at the
> grandness of the man
> she loved so.
>
> “It is amazing how your Father
> commands the room
> with his presence, Miz Agnes.
> I don’t believe I have ever
> felt such love and respect
> in one place for
> anyone before.”
>
> “That is very kind of you,
> Ethan, but I do agree.
> My world is complete
> when he is here.”
>
> “I believe his to be also,
> Agnes.”
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Posted in Uncategorized at 5:34 am by Linda
Agnes, I am afraid this talk
>has upset you. Please take my hankerchief.
> If you wish, we can continue
> at another time.”
>
> “No, I am fine. Thank you .
> I find your tale fascinating
> and wish to hear more,
> if you would be so kind.”
>
> Agnes watched as Ethan
> stood and walked to the
> edge of the stoop.
>
> ” I can see why my mother
> fell in love with this place
> when she was here.
> There is a magnificence
> yet a peace, unlike
> other places I’ve been.
> Charleston is a beautiful
> city and I loved it there,
> but I see what she meant
> about this land being God’s
> choice.”
>
> “And that, sir, is what brought
> you here?”
>
> As Ethan turned to face her,
> she could see ,by moonlight,
> the excitement in his blue eyes.
>
> “Yes, Agnes, I want to feel
> that power of the land
> that John Jacob and my mother
> spoke of. Surely you know
> what I mean? You have to
> have felt the same or you could
> not have done all that you
> did for Ashland.”
>
> Agnes could only nod
> as she was taken aback
> by his intensity.
>
> “I was left quite a sum of money
> by my Aunt Sarah and
> with your Father’s help,
> I have purchased the Flemington
> plantation to the East for my mother
> and myself. It isn’t of the size
> of Ashland but quite a beautiful spot
> in itself. There were no relatives
> to inherit when Captain Flemington
> died so the state sold the property
> along with his servants to the
> highest bidder. With some restoration,
and after lessons, I hope to learn
> here on being a gentleman farmer. I
> will send for my mother.”
>
> “That, Miz Agnes, is why I am at Ashland
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Posted in Uncategorized at 5:31 am by Linda
 ”Miz Agnes, you are very kind
>Â to your slaves. Why is that?”
>
> “I see no reason not to be, as
> they are very kind to me.
> I also choose to not think
> of them as slaves, but
> friends and companions.
> Enough about me, please
> tell me more about youself.”
>
> “About all I can tell you
> is that I was away at school
> when my mother requested
> my return after Sarah passed.
> I had been studying law.
> It seemed Sarah had amassed
> quite a few holdings but was not
> the best record keeper.
> Your Father was given
> the task of sorting through
> her many papers and dividing
> her property accordingly.
> My mother thought my learning
> might be of help to him.”
>
> ” I see. Is that the reason
>Â Big Daddy was away so long?”
>
> “Mostly, I suppose. He did go
> through a period of grief
> and did not seem himself for
> quite sometime. I realized that
> not only was his pain for Sarah
> but his Lady Jane also. It was
> as if his heart had been broken
> twice.”
>
> Agnes had to hold back her
> tears yet she needed
> to hear more.
>
> ‘I missed him terribly
> and hate to hear of him
> in such pain and so far away.’
>
> “Be assured, Miz Agnes, you
> were never out of his thoughts.
> He spoke of you daily. I
> believe you to be the reason
> he felt he must get the job finished
> and get back to Ashland.”
>
> With that said, Agnes felt a tear
> fall down her face.
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08.17.06
Posted in Uncategorized at 8:09 am by Linda
Miz Agnes . 48
Current mood: 
curious
Category: Writing and Poetry
“Sir, you were right. I don’t believe
I have ever tasted better fried chicken.
Tillie is to be commended.”
“Thank you , Ethan. I suggest
we move into the parlor
for a nightcap, then I must retire
for it has been a long day.”
Agnes is worried that Big Daddy
had overextended himself
on his first day home.
Yet, she still had questions
that were not answered,
as very little conversation
took place over dinner.
“Sir, please do not feel
you must entertain me
as you have already been
too gracious in allowing
my stay at Ashland.”
‘Ethan is right, you will need
to rest for your party tomorrow.
I will see that your guest
is taken care of for the evening.”
“Perhaps, Ethan,
we could continue our talk
on the veranda and let
Big Daddy relax.”
“Splendid idea, Agnes. I wish
 you to know each other better
and I will see you at breakfast.
By the way, young man,
Tillie’s biscuits are also the best.”
Agnes would prefer to talk with
her father but, first things first.
She needs to know more
of this young man.
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08.15.06
Posted in Uncategorized at 7:50 am by Linda
“Agnes, that is uncanny. Ethan and I
were just discussing the same earlier.
 He feels as if tobacco might do well also. It is as if the two of you
are
of like mind.”
” That is amazing, Big Daddy.
Perhaps this is a good time
for Ethan to tell me what
brings him to Ashland and why
our crops are of interest to him.”
” It is a short story, Miz Agnes,
but I would be happy to share it
with you.
Your father’s intended, Sarah,
 was my aunt.
Her sister, Violet, is my mother.
Unfortunately, I was away
at school when the accident
happened but managed to return
for her funeral.
That is where I met your father.”
“It was a terrible tragedy
and a most horrid day
for everyone. You have
my sympathy.”
Agnes felt a slight tinge
of remorse as she, herself,
had not given much thought
to Sarah’s death. She remained
bitter that it had taken Big Daddy
away for so long.
“Please do go on, Ethan.
I would like to hear why that
brought you to Ashland.”
“Agnes,dear, it is time
for dinner. You and Ethan
can talk at the table or later.
Come, my boy, you have
never had fried chicken
as good as Tillie’s.”
Agnes couldn’t help
 but feel resentment
even as Ethan offered
her his arm.
She wondered if
Big Daddy had truly
wanted a son.
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Posted in Uncategorized at 7:42 am by Linda
“Agnes, there you are.
Ethan and I were just
enjoying a smoke before dinner
and talking about Ashland.
I trust you had a nice rest.”
“Yes, it was comforting
and I am ready to enjoy dinner
and continue our talk”
Mr. Perry, I look forward
to learning more about you.”
“Ethan, please.”
“Yes, of course, how silly of me.
I hope you will bear
with me for a moment
as there is something
I need to discuss
with Big Daddy before dinner.”
“Of course, child,
 anything you wish.
 Tillie informed me
dinner will be served
at eight so we have time.
Please sit and tell me
your thoughts.”
“Well, there has been much going
on since you left and decisions
that I have been forced to make
on my own. I hope that
you will agree with my latest
as , surely,
it has been too long in coming.
I purpose redoing the cabins
and perhaps relocating them
about 200 yards up by the bend
in the river.This will give the negroes
much better housing
and also locate them closer to
their work and the main house.
This will take some time
but Ezekial and his men
have proven to be worthy
carpenters, as you will see
at the school.
As for the land where they now sit,
I thought tobacco might be a new crop
to try and raise.
Your thoughts, please, sirs.”
Tillie giggled at the door
as, for a moment,the men-folk
were at a loss for words.
Agnes just smiled to herself.Â
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08.14.06
Posted in Uncategorized at 6:44 am by Linda
“Miz Agnes, why don’t you
rest and I will call you for
dinner. I fear this day
has been too emotional
for you.”
Agnes looked at Tillie
and just nodded
This day had gone
horribly wrong
yet Agnes wondered
if she had judged the
newcomer too harshly.
After her rest, Miz Agnes
felt she must attend
to details,
of the welcome party
she was throwing
on the following day,
then she could play
hostess to Big Daddy
and Ethan at dinner
that evening.
‘Miz Agnes, Might Ezekial speak
with you?” Tillie sounds frantic.
“Ezekial, is this important?
I am to be at dinner within
the half-hour.”
“Yes’m, if you would jes
give me a minute.
“I’m sorry, Miz Agnes,
but I heard Big Daddy
and that newcomer talking.”
“Ezekial, You could be punished
for listening to Big Daddy’s talk
with friends.
What is your concern
and why do you think
I can help?”
“Mr. Perry is purposing
to raze the negro’s cabins,
and moving them
to the back forty,
He thinks the land ,
by the river upon
which we dwell,
to be the most suitable
for tobacco farming.”
“I believe our guest to have erred
in his assumption
and he will be corrected
at dinner tonight. I will
see to it.”
Agnes senses problems to come.
Â
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Posted in Uncategorized at 6:38 am by Linda
Tillie had made mint julep’s
for everyone (including herself)
and placed them on the table
between the settee and chairs
at the East end of the veranda
Miz Agnes noticed
that Big Daddy looked tired
and wondered if perhaps
they should postpone talk
until dinner that evening.
“Nonsense, child, I am fine
and looking forward to news
here at Ashland. You must tell me
of changes made and how you
have fared. I will rest after our talk.”
“Oh, Big Daddy,
 how I have missed you
and there is much to tell.
I can’t wait as…..”
“Excuse me, might I join?”
“Of course, Ethan, please sit.
Tillie has made the best julep’s
in this part of the south.
I am sure Agnes would
enjoy the company also.
She was about to tell me
of the workings of Ashland
since I’ve been gone.”
Tillie glanced at Agnes
and saw the look
she had come to know
over the past few years.
“Gentlemen, if you will excuse
me, I fear the mid-day sun
has taken its toll on me and
I need to rest before dinner.
So with due respect, Big Daddy,
I shall retire to my room.
Your forgiveness, Mr. Perry.”
“Ethan, please.”
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Posted in Uncategorized at 6:33 am by Linda
“My Agnes, I would like to introduce Ethan Perry to you. He is a fine
young man
that I met in Charleston. I have invited him to stay at Ashland with us
for awhile.
We will talk of it over dinner tonight.”
Agnes found herself looking into the brightest blue eyes she believed
she had ever seen.
She didn’t think him to be much older than herself, perhaps though he
might be more Tillie’s age..
“My pleasure, Mr. Perry. I look forward to
dinner later.”
Agnes introduced Tillie to Ethan as he said call him. She asked Tillie
if she would be so kind as to show him to his room. Agnes couldn’t
understand why Tillie seemed flustered. It was not as if
he were the first house guest they had
to stay at Ashland.
Even as handsome as Mr. Perry was, Agnes was anxious to have Big Daddy
to herself.
There was much to talk about and so many things she wanted to know.
” If you don’t mind, Miz Agnes , I would like to sit with you and John
Jacob after I put my things away.”
Agnes found herself momentarily
annoyed.
“As you wish, Mr. Perry.”
“Ethan, please.”
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